We first met at a mutual friend's pool party, and only exchanged names. During the party, Monica thought Austen was reading a novel, and was a bit confused when he explained it was a textbook on bacterial iron transport (He was studying for his qualifying exam for graduate school). Monica thought that was weird, but she was still intrigued by his dreamy eyes, so she pretended to understand his science jargon. A month later, we met by chance again at a highlighter party. Monica tagged along with some graduate students from Austen's school. Monica recognized Austen coming towards her, but of course couldn't remember his name. Austen had no such difficulties, and impressed her with his memory. However, the sparks didn't fly until Monica noticed Austen's amazing dance abilities. We connected over our mutual love of travel and danced the night away. We set up our first date that next week and haven't looked back since. Aside from Austen's good looks, Monica loves Austen's goofy personality, sweetness, honesty, and passion. Austen loves that he can make Monica laugh out loud. He also loves her endless caring, compassion, and understanding. Austen's happiest when he sees Monica smile from her eyes.

Austen spent a couple of months working with our good friend, Jorge, to create a proposal video that would make Monica laugh, cry, and say "Yes". They kept everything a secret from her, who thought the proposal was going to happen during a family vacation in Cancun. Austen knew that a better surprise would come during Monica's graduation weekend. Austen planned to reveal the video at the Navarro family home in Sugar Land. He procured a large projection screen, a projector, speakers, and lights to create a little theater in the family's backyard. The plan was to lure Monica to Sugar Land for dinner at a restaurant, then take her back home for the big reveal. Dinner was going as planned until a string of strong thunderstorms swept through the region! Austen was visibly nervous, and kept looking outside, wondering if the proposal would be postponed. At the same time, Jorge was back at the house, manning the projector and screen. He saved the equipment from certain destruction and gave the proposal a fighting chance (Thanks again, Jorge! You're the best!). Thankfully, the storms briefly cleared just before we arrived at the house. Austen lured Monica into the backyard with the promise of dessert, and Jorge pressed play. The setting and video was just as beautiful as Austen had imagined, and Monica was overjoyed to say "Yes" and start a new chapter in our lives. We were grateful to share that joyous moment surrounded by family, and celebrated with champagne. We present the proposal video here for your entertainment. https://youtu.be/lo8veezONO8